Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest-ever exit at the US Open on Sunday after losing to unseeded Argentine Mariano Navone in a gruelling five-set first-round battle that ended his latest bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title.
The 39-year-old Serb, who battled physical problems throughout the contest, was defeated 7-6(5), 5-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 by the world No. 48 after four hours and 36 minutes.
The loss marked Djokovic’s first opening-round defeat at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, ending his run of 78 consecutive first-round victories at major tournaments.
Djokovic appeared to be struggling with illness and physical discomfort during the match, vomiting on court before later battling cramps and a back problem that affected his serve.
Despite his condition, he appeared to regain control in the fourth set after breaking Navone for a 2-1 lead with a trademark backhand winner down the line.
Navone, however, responded emphatically, winning the next five games to take the set and force a decider.
Djokovic took a medical timeout before the fifth set, receiving treatment and medication, but Navone quickly moved 3-0 ahead.
The Argentine remained composed under pressure and dropped just one point on serve in the final set to secure the biggest victory of his career.
“It’s unbelievable,” an ecstatic Navone said after defeating his longtime idol.
“It’s a dream come true, I mean seriously, 100%.”
Djokovic had made the brighter start, breaking Navone in the second game to move 3-1 ahead. But the Serb’s physical struggles became increasingly apparent as lengthy rallies wore him down.
Navone recovered the break after Djokovic double-faulted on break point and levelled the set at 4-4. With neither player able to break again, the opener went to a tiebreak.
Navone established a 4-2 advantage before Djokovic fought back to 5-5. Consecutive errors from the Serb then handed Navone the opening set.
Djokovic responded in the second set, fending off several break opportunities before breaking Navone at love for a 6-5 lead. He held his serve to draw level.
The third set again featured extended exchanges, with Djokovic visibly tiring. After missing a crucial break opportunity in the fifth game, he eventually broke Navone for a 5-4 advantage.
Navone saved two set points when Djokovic served for the set, but the Serb held firm to move two sets to one ahead.
The advantage did not last.
Navone took control of the fourth set and carried his momentum into the decider, where Djokovic was unable to mount a response.
The defeat ends another attempt by Djokovic to claim a record 25th Grand Slam singles title and adds further uncertainty to his future at the majors.
After the match, Djokovic embraced Navone before leaving the court, blowing kisses to the crowd that had supported him throughout the dramatic encounter.
